Assessing Immediate Postpartum and Postabortion Contraception KAP Among Healthcare Professionals in Kigali [34A]

INTRODUCTION: Immediate postpartum contraceptive administration is thought to be safe, effective reducing unintended pregnancies. Health staff have influence on women’s contraceptive behavior; and their knowledge and attitudes about contraception can affect women’s contraceptive behaviors. Data are lacking about the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive methods among health personnel in Rwandan health facilities. The present study is designed to assess the healthcare staff awareness of immediate postabortion and postpartum contraception knowledge in Rwandan health facilities including referral hospitals and district hospitals. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using anonymous questionnaire was conducted in Rwanda referral hospitals; and 3 DH, recruiting in 240 health personnel all working in maternity departments, for a period of 9 months from August, 2014 to April, 2015. RESULTS: 194 out of 240 healthcare providers working in maternity participated in our study. Overall, they show good attitude towards immediate contraception. The provision of immediate contraception was largely seen in referral hospital compared to District hospitals. 76% of the providers in District hospitals have never prescribed an immediate contraception. The most cited reasons for nonprovision of immediate contraception include lack of sufficient knowledge, concerns about side effects and possibility that the immediate contraception may not work. CONCLUSION: Healthcare staff in Rwanda have gaps in their knowledge regarding immediate postabortion and postpartum contraception. Their knowledge about the indications for prescription of immediate postabortion and postpartum contraception, and its side effects was inadequate. The continuous educational efforts for health staff should focus more on the specific aspects of contraception and patients’ needs.